Madison Shakespeare Company Goes To Egypt, To Milwaukee, And To Court

Taming of the Shrew closed last weekend but Madison Shakespeare's busy schedule is just beginning, with three unusual destinations ahead.

To Egypt: MSC is bringing back Sloshed Shakespeare for an all-new run. After delighting audiences with the antics of a bleary Lord and Lady Macbeth, it's time for the canon's hardest partying couple to have their day. Antony and Cleopatra get the Sloshed treatment this year, with the same formula of one classic text, six actors, and way too much alcohol.

Sloshed Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra opens July 28 at Capital Brewery in Middleton, with additional performances August 3 and 17 at Brink Lounge and August 8 at High Noon Saloon.

Featuring Marie Freese as Cleopatra, joined by new cast members Denzel J. Taylor (Taming of the Shrew), Nina Davis (Lucid Dreaming), and Mary Wallin (A Valentine's Affair), plus returning players Emily Morrison Weeks, Francisco Torres, Tanis Steed, and Jason Compton. Tickets to all dates available now.

To Milwaukee: Optimist Theatre opened their run of King Lear at Marcus Center's Peck Pavilion on July 5. We'll crash their derivative party a few nights later when we bring the True Chronicle History of King Leir to their literal back yard.

MSC will perform a capsule version of the original, anonymous text adapted (and made considerably more depressing) by Shakespeare, including the authentic freeze-frame high-five between the triumphant Leir and his good daughter Cordella. MSC will be on the scene July 8, 12, 15, and 19, looking to send the good people of Milwaukee home early, and happy, before all the killing and eye-gouging and horrible weeping happens.

Featuring Ian Hathway, Marie Freese, Maria Cina, Bri Hunter, and Jason Compton. Directed by Emily Morrison Weeks.

To Court: Madison Shakespeare Company will appear on the internationally acclaimed podcast Judge John Hodgman to resolve an internal dispute over setting and design choices for future productions. One of MSC's leaders prefers productions in the original time and place set out by the text. Another would like to see more experimental interpretations. After three years of debate, they're taking the problem to an expert crux-finder. Who's right? Who's wrong? Only one man can decide. Release date TBA.